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Colston Hall will be opening its doors for the 12th Bristol Acoustic Music Festival on 23rd January 2016. The festival, presented by Jelli Records, will feature Son of Dave and Heather Peace amongst others. www.colstonhall.org

The Ahbab Festival, an Arabic Music Festival celebrating and exploring themes of love in music and film, will take place at Cambridge Junction from 12th – 14th February with Tarek Abdallah &#38; Adel Shams El-Din, Natacha Atlas, Baladi Blues Ensemble, Oxford Maoam ‘Abd Al-Halim’ Ensemble and more.www.junction.co.uk

Traditional or contemporary folk, roots or world music musicians under the age of 25 who sing or play are invited to enter for New Roots 2016. There are two categories, under 18 and 18 – 24, with artists selected to will take part in the final in April at Trestle Arts Base in St Albans and the chance to appear at folk festivals, clubs and other events. A form with full details of how to enter can be found at

For the first time in 13 years, there will be no Sauti za Busara festival in Stone Town, Zanzibar this February. Organisers report that reluctantly they had to cancel this edition due to lack of funders. Meanwhile high level discussions continue with potential sponsors and local authorities to ensure East Africa’s top annual music event resumes stronger than ever from 2017. More info www.busaramusic.org

And a bit of advance news on

our Cellarful Of Folkadelia events that we curate at Sidmouth Folk Week. In 2016, after two years as a faux cellar relocated to a ground floor, we’ll be returning to our original home in the basement of Kennaway House. Among artists appearing from July 31st – August 4th will be The Rheingans Sisters, Tymon Dogg and Rhona Dalling as featured on this issue’s

Natacha Atlas – Ahbab Festival, Cambridge

Trio Dhoore – heading for Cellarful

fRoots 57, plus Anna &#38; Elizabeth, Wizz Jones, Trio Dhoore, Dead Rat Orchestra and Hot Vultures (Ian Anderson &#38; Maggie Holland, who are having a brief reunion after over 30 years, for one summer only) plus a few more yet t.b.a. www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

The Gloaming have a new album out in February on Real World Records plus a sell-out show at Union Chapel, London (26th Feb) and further dates at The National Concert Hall, Dublin (27th &#38; 28th.) Look out for further tourng info in the autumn. thegloaming.net